Posts Tagged ‘Blogging’
It’s Hard to Have a Blog
Posted on: August 10, 2014
- In: Life
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One of the things I love most about this little sphere of world I’ve made for myself is how I can so openly share life with all y’all (yep, yep, I did just make y’all a double plural). I’ve told some of my deepest secrets/shames, some of my greatest dreams, some of my hardest struggles, some of my highest victories.
Yet, I’ve realized over the last year or two, it’s hard to have a blog. Especially when you’re willing to be vulnerable and raw. Because now, now people know. They know the bad and the good, the struggles and the pains. And honestly, that can be kinda exhausting.
It’s hard to have a blog. But, like most things that are hard, it’s so, so good too.
And while I’ve tried and failed many times to stay the course, to write more often, I’m trying again. Putting myself out there and opening up once again because all y’all (see I did it again) have just been the best and I can’t quit you.
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I’m not even sure where to begin, it feels so long since I have last written.
Life is busy.
Jonathan is working and traveling. A lot. Then toss in his MBA program.
I’ve started an amazing theological/seminary class through our church. It is crazy, and awesome, and totally kicking my butt.
Plus, there’s the whole, training for three major races thing.
Oh, and the kids. Let’s not forget the 3 kids under 5.
I don’t say all this to somehow make my life seem harder, busier, or more stressful than yours.
It’s not really.
In fact, it’s really good. Really crazy and challenging, but good.
I tell you all this, because, life is busy. And because of that I’ve been pretty silent.
Sadly, I don’t see that changing. As much as I love this little blog I’ve created, as much as I love the friendships I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched and the ways I’ve grown through it, something has to give. And for now, blogging is it.
I have realized – I could keep writing, keep cranking out content. But it wouldn’t be from the heart. It wouldn’t be what I really want to say. It wouldn’t be what you really want to read. It would just end up being words on a screen. And I don’t want that.
For a while, I carried some guilt for not writing. Like there was a level of expectation set and I was failing to meet it. But that’s not true. I know that. You know that.
So for now, my sweet, dear, friends, I’m saying good night. I’m going to put Loved Like the Church to sleep for a now. I’m going to focus on this new season our family is heading into. And hopefully, one day not too long from now, I’ll be back, sharing my life with all of you again.
In Which I Ask My Friends For Help
Posted on: August 6, 2012
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
This summer has thrown me for a loop. No, that’s not true. Having three kids has thrown me for a loop. It seems that once I have enough time to devote myself to something more creative {like blogging}, my mind has exploded and I have nothing left to give. Which is sad, because frankly I really love my internet community.
And then, once I finally write something I’m passionate about, it takes a toll I didn’t foresee. Again, maybe that’s not true. I did foresee it, but didn’t expect it to be a conversation that lasted this long {though it’s allowed me to share the gospel with several people and that in of itself is down right amazing}.
I’ve found myself stuck – I want to write, but have been unwilling to carve out the time. Once I have the time {like now} I am unsure what to write.
So, my sweet readers, what do you want to read? My blog isn’t just a monologue, so if there is a dialogue you’d what, let me know. Clearly, I don’t shy away from many topics.
Let me know what interests you, what you want to read about, learn about and I’ll start writing. We can look at it as a win-win; you get to give me ideas, and I get to write.
- In: Life
- 14 Comments
Every once in a while, I think about putting my blog on hold. Sometimes, forever. Sometimes, just for a few days. The reasons vary from real life coming first, to not having much to write about. But for the last several days, my blog {and anything internet related} has been pretty far from my mind. Why? Well, I’ve got a list for ya:
1. I’m reading The Help. And by golly, it is a good book. Makes me want to say things like “Law, she done gotten herself prettied up”. Or “I swanee, if I done told you once, I told you a thousand times”.
2. It’s hot. I know, I know, unless you live in the Pacific Northwest, it’s hot. But seriously, I’m breaking a sweat as I type. At ten o’clock at night. In the a/c. With the fan going. Law, help me. That’s pregnancy in Texas. In the summer.
3. I’m being more intentional with Julia. I hate to admit this, but I haven’t been the best mama lately. When Hannah naps, I have Julia have her quiet time. But I know more than anything, she just really wants mama-time. Because of whatever reason, I’ve been holding on to that me-time a little too much. But last week, I started spending half the time with her, then half the time alone {cause we both still need our quiet times}. It’s been really good.
4. I’m reading The Help. Really, you’ve got to read it. And if you grew up in the South, I consider it mandatory.
5. I’m being more intentional with my house. I don’t really like spending an entire day cleaning. For the last two weeks, I’ve been cleaning just a little every day. Sure, things still get overlooked or not cleaned well enough, but surprisingly, my house has stayed in pretty good shape for pretty in such little work. Mama likes.
6. It’s hot. And I don’t like to do anything when I’m hot.
7. I’m getting the girls’ school work in order for the fall. I’m planning out their weeks from now until the end of October. Hoping to start school on August 1. Planning out 12 weeks of schoolwork {with printing out projects and assignments for Julia} is harder than I expected.
8. I’m getting more and more forgetful. And I come up with these fantastic post ideas but them forget them before I can even write them down. Don’t even ask how I’m doing with remembering what we need at the grocery store… oy vey.
9. I’m reading the Help. Ok, ok, I know I’ve mentioned this already. But seriously. So. Good. I haven’t read through a book this fast in a while. Just got it on Saturday and already over halfway finished.
10. Life just gets like this. And I find myself having too much fun making the girls homemade playdough, taking them to the dollar movie and enjoying just being a mama, to think about life outside of that.
What keeps you from blogging?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Blissdom – My Blogging Adventure
Posted on: February 3, 2011
- In: Life
- 20 Comments
I’m hosting this week’s Try New Adventures for Alicia. I’m pretty excited because I’ve had so many new adventures in the last week I feel like I could easily spend the next two months sharing them with all of you. But since they all pertain to one big adventure, I thought it best to keep it to a single post.
In the last week I’ve:
1. Shared a hotel room with strangers.
{Me, Christine, Alicia}
Ok, Alicia and Christine aren’t complete strangers. I feel like we’ve formed this really special relationship over the last year. But it was pretty surreal meeting them for the first time ever last week. And I will say this: They are even sweeter in person than they are online. They are wonderful ladies and I just love them!
2. Met my blog crushes: Amanda, Mary, Jill and Ashleigh.
{Me, Mary}
{Me, Amanda}
I was so nervous meeting these ladies. In fact, when I met Jill I completely started stammering {and I only do that when I’m super nervous}. But they calmed my fears completely by being the nicest ladies ever. Seriously incredible.
3. Met Melissa Peterman {A.K.A Barbara Jean}
After Julia was born, I started watching Reba every afternoon. While I can’t vouch for all it’s content, I do love that show. And Barbara Jean {B.J.} is perhaps one of my favorite characters. I suppose I should add, that when I’m super excited to meet someone, if I don’t stammer, I make ridiculous faces. Neither make for a good first impression.
4. Spent four days at a blogging conference.
At Blissdom I learned more than my head could hold. Got pampered with manicures and chair massages. Ate delicious foods. Met amazingly awesome women. Enjoyed time in prayer with fellow Christian bloggers. And had a great time. It was such an amazing adventure and I cherish every moment of it. But once it was over I was grateful to come back to the best adventure I could hope for: being a wife and mother.
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What new adventure did you try this week? We’d love to hear all about it! Link up your blog post below, and link back to Loved Like the Church. Then visit around, see what everyone else has been up to, and leave them some comment love. You can learn more about the idea behind Try New Adventures Thursday here. You can also tweet about your TNAT post on Twitter using the hashtag #TryNewAdventures.
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I’m Back in Iowa!
Posted on: January 28, 2011
Well, I’m not actually in Iowa {although I’m not in Texas either…}. I’m just visiting Iowa via Kelsey over at Mrs. Dexter. I love Kelsey’s blog and I’m super happy that she asked me to guest post for her today. She’s doing a great series on coffee shops and I’m sharing my recipe for Banana Bread with Agave Nectar. Yuuuummmmy.
- In: Life
- 14 Comments
I’m leaving today for Blissdom. And much like when I left for New York last fall, I have taken some steps to help Jonathan out while I’m away. Because, while some days I’d like to think my full time job is my blog, it isn’t. My full time job is taking care of my family. I take a lot of delight in my work and want to make sure that I can still fulfill my wife/mother roles while away. So here are some ways I’m helping Jonathan cope with me being away:
1. Organize the girls clothes –
Each day is bundled together, with the girl’s name on it. Unwrap, dress and you’re ready to go! {I did provide layers, in case the weather goes all crazy on me.}
2. Organize meals –
I have the freezer stocked with dinners and the pantry loaded with quick and easy snacks. I’ve also made a list of side options to go with each meal.
3. Organize activities – While Jonathan is super active in the girls’ lives, he doesn’t quite know what activities there are to do around town like I do. So I made a list for each day to let him choose.
4. Sticky notes –
I did this when I traveled to New York. Jonathan said it was helpful {for other things – like coffee}, but the dog never did get fed…
5. Movies – While I tend not to want the girls to watch much television during the week, I know it’s an easy pass time. I’ve made sure there are several episodes of their favorite show recorded so they can watch a set amount as needed.
6. Diapers/Wipes/Pull ups – Jonathan isn’t as into cloth diapering as I am {read Jonathan doesn’t cloth diaper}. To prepare for the week, I stocked up on disposables. Because there is nothing worse than having to run to the store just for diapers.
7. Back up help – We were very blessed to live right by three close families while in Iowa. At the drop of the hat we could ask for help and they could be there in no time. Now, as we are still meeting people, I’ve had to do a little more planning. Still, we’ve been really blessed with people willing to help Jonathan {even if it is just inviting him to playdates} so that he doesn’t feel alone in the process.
8. Answering my phone – I’m notorious for not answering my phone. And it drives Jonathan bonkers. Because of that, for the next few days, my phone will be attached to my hip {not literally – not a big fan of those hip holders}.
9. Sweet loving – I’m making sure Jonathan gets some sweet loving before I leave. And… It’s not what you think. I made him a batch of cookies {as bribery for girls} and am currently baking some blueberry muffins – which are his favorite.
10. Grace – Taking care of the girls and being a homemaker isn’t Jonathan’s full time job, it’s mine. I need to loosen up any expectations I might have for how things should go – or honestly, how the house should look when I get back. I need to be overwhelmed by the fact that my husband is showing me this grand gesture of love and respond in kind, with grace and love.
What do you do to help your husband prepare for you being away?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Bookmark Me Baby
Posted on: January 24, 2011
- In: Life
- 9 Comments
In early December, Jonathan and I started talking about business cards – specifically me getting business cards. We knew with Blissdom approaching, it would be nice for me to have cards to pass out to the other attendees. I started doing some research, but never fell in love with anything. I wanted something practical, but expressed me at the same time {a lot of pressure for a little card, huh?}.
Then Jonathan mentioned the idea of a bookmark business card. Immediately I loved the idea. A bookmark {because I love to read} that has all my information on it. Perfect. Now to find a design/designer. After going through Etsy a few times, I came across DesignsByThoughts. As soon as I saw Tiffany’s work, I knew it was a match for me. So I contacted her, discussed some ideas and this is what she made:
Isn’t adorable? I just love the red roof on the church. And the adorable flowers. And the stain glass. And the…. okay, I just love the whole thing. Seriously.
My Blissdom Top Ten
Posted on: January 18, 2011
- In: Life
- 15 Comments
In one week {ONE WEEK!} I leave for the Blissdom Conference in Nashville. I am beyond excited. Thrilled, actually. I don’t fully know what to expect {it’s my first time going}, but I do hope to get a lot out of the conference. There are so many great seminars lined up, that it’s kind of hard to narrow down just want I want to participate in. But, I’m sure what ever I go to will be great.
1. Knowledge – From search engine optimization to editing your posts, the seminar descriptions look packed with information. And while I want to go to every single one, I’m sure I’ll be on overload before I know it.
2. Community – I’ve “met” some amazing women over the last year. Grown to really know them as they share their lives through their blogs. It’s provided me with a since of community that has been really incredible. I can’t wait to meet them in real life next week!
3. Networking – Along with the women I have “met” there are still so many great blogging women out there I haven’t. Having the chance to meet new women and expand my network is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while.
4. Creativity – I’ll be honest, I’ve been creatively dry for the last several weeks. Almost as though I’m on auto-pilot. I keep telling myself “Make it to Blissdom” because I’m convinced I’ll walk away full of wonderful creative ideas. Or at least I really hope so!
5. Seeing my family – Blissdom is held each year in Nashville – my childhood city. So going this year means I get to spend a little time with my family. Which is really awesome, because I miss them, even if it’s only been a month since I last saw them.
6. Staying at Opryland – Ok, this might be kind of a silly reason to be excited about Blissom, but the conference is held at Opryland Hotel. In all my years, I’ve never spent the night at Opryland. It’s like a daydreamy place – I had my senior prom there, I’ve walked through it’s halls dozens of times with my family – but I’ve never been lucky enough to spend the night. Until now. And as if it couldn’t get better, I get to stay with Alicia from Alicia’s Homemaking. Squeal!! So excited!!
7. Mama vacation – I’ll be gone for five whole days next week. Five. The longest I’ve ever been away from either of my girls. And while that’s a little sad, I’m taking Alicia’s point of view when she emailed me “I’m going to go SIX days without having to wipe down a high chair!” Woot!
8. Having fun – While Blissdom is sure to teach me a lot, I know it’s not just going to be a boring classroom – in fact, it’s going to be a blast. Between the kick-off party and the pj party, I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of giggling women all around.
9. Being myself – Writing brings out a part of me that nothing else seems to and I love it. So having the chance to spend time tapping that resource is such a great thing.
10. Fashion – Ok, since I made 2010 my year to bring out my fashionista, I’m pretty excited about some of the finds I came across between now and then. In particular, a gold necklace. Which might not seem like a big deal, but to me it’s huge. I don’t wear gold, so to do a gold necklace is a big step. I’ll be wearing it at Blissdom so let me know what you think!
If you’re going to Blissdom, what are somethings you’re looking forward to?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
It’s Really all About YOU
Posted on: January 14, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
The other night Jonathan and I were working on my website {have I ever mentioned how wonderful it is to have a web analysis for a hubby?? Well, it is!}. Our jaws dropped when we saw this:
Site Stats for A Wife Loved Like the Church
Since I started actively {and intentionally} blogging last February, my numbers have literally tripled. Each month I am blown away. Each month I think how amazing all of you, my readers, are. You. guys. rock. Really. You do. Your comments, your encouragement, your support, it brightens my day. Thank you so much for supporting me over the last year! I love y’all!
Just a little Friday joy to share with all of you… What’s your Friday joy?
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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